REEL RECOVERY SPRING CHARITY BASH

The Utah Cancer Foundation cordially invites you to a special event hosted by Brett Prettyman of the Salt Lake Tribune Spring Charity Bash Wine Education and Hors d'oeuvres with Live and Silent Auction to benefit Reel Recovery.

Tickets available at the door $40.00 per person

Date: Sunday March 4, 2007 Time: 4:00PM - 7:00 PM Location: Trio - Cottonwood
6405 S 3000 E
Holladay, UT 84121

For tickets contact: Phone: 800-699-4490

Email: djreading@gmail.com

Live and Silent Auctions - Lots and Lots of Items

Including:
• Red River Ranch 1 nights/1 day for 2 guided fishing/lodging
• Western Rivers Flyfisher One Day Guided Fly Fishing for Two w/Steve Schmidt
• High Lonesome Ranch 3 days/2 nights for Two
• Trout Creek Flies One Day Guided Trip on the Green River
• Trout Bum 2 Half Day Guided Fly Fishing for Two on Provo River
• Six Lakes Fishing and Wildlife Preserve 2 Full Day Fishing Passes for 4 Anglers Each
• Fish Tech Outfitters 2 Half day guided trips on Provo
• Red Canyon Lodge Three Nights Lodging for Two, Dinner
• Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort One Night Lodging, 2 All-Day Ski Passes
• Ruby's Inn 2 Two night lodging certificates
• Stutzman Hell's Canyon Custom Rods custom fly rod
• Reel Recovery Sage "Pink" fly rod
• Individual Orvis Western River UK fly rod and box of flies
• Patagonia Fly Fishing Wardrobe
• Xcalibur Rods Custom Built Xcalibur 8ft, 6pc, 3wt Fly Rod
• Thomas & Thomas 40% Discount Certificate
• Hendrix Outdoors on behalf of Fish Tech Lightning Spinning Rod
• Hendrix Outdoors on behalf of Fish Tech Cardinal Spinning Rod/reel Combo
• Hendrix Outdoors on behalf of Fish Tech Fenwick Fly Rod
• Fish Tech Outfitters fly tying or fishing class
• Box of 40 flies tied by Lance Egan, who won two gold medals in the ESPN Outdoor Games, including several of his own patterns

Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that conducts free fly-fishing retreats for men battling life-threatening cancer. Combining expert fly-fishing instruction with supportive conversations, Reel Recovery offers a unique experience for men with cancer: a time to share their stories, learn a new skill, form lasting friendships and gain renewed hope as they confront the challenges of their recovery.

“I discovered that while fly-fishing, I was in another place. In this place there was no cancer, no pain and no fear.” – Retreat Participant

For information about Reel Recovery, visit their website: www.reelrecovery.org
or call 800-699-4490

Wildlife Board Meeting - March 7 and 8

Utah Wildlife Board Meeting
March 7-8, 2007, 9:00 A.M., DNR Auditorium
1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah

AGENDA

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Board Appeals


Thursday, March 8, 2007

1. Approval of Agenda
ACTION
* Dr. Jim Bowns, Chairman

2. Approval of Minutes
ACTION
* Dr. Bowns

3. Old Business/Action Log
CONTINGENT
* Dick Diamond, Vice-Chair

4. DWR Update
INFORMATION
* Jim Karpowitz, DWR Director

5. Adjudicative Proceedings Rule R657-02 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

6. Error Remedy Rule R657-50 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

7. Terminally Ill Fishing Licenses Rule R657-30 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

8. License Agent Procedures Rule R657-27 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

9. Hunting and Fishing Accommodations for Disabled People Rule R957-12 ACTION
* Kenny Johnson, Information Analyst

10. Possession of Live Game Birds Rule R657-04 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Dean Mitchell, Upland Game Program Coordinator

11. Big Game Depredation Rule R657-44 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Boyde Blackwell, Private Lands Public Wildlife Program Coordinator

12. CHA Rule R957-22 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Boyde Blackwell, Private Lands Public Wildlife Program Coordinator

13. Landowner Permits Rule R657-43 (5-yr review)
ACTION
* Boyde Blackwell, Private Lands Public Wildlife Program Coordinator

14. Amphibian/Reptile CIP Proclamation and Rule R657-53
ACTION
* Krissy Wilson, Native Aquatics Program Coordinator

15. Wasatch Mountain Late hunt season change
ACTION
* Alan Clark, Assistant Director

16. Variances
ACTION
* Todd Newby presenting for Ida Ann Newby
* Paul Havens
* James Bell
* Judi Tutorow, Licensing Coordinator

17. Other Business
CONTINGENT
* Dr. Bowns


In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Persons
needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) for this meeting, should contact Staci Coons at 801-538 4718, giving her at least five working days notice.

Sky Should 'Turn White' at Snow Goose Festival

Delta -- The sights and sounds of thousands of pure white snow geese flying and feeding will be enjoyed at the Tenth Annual Snow Goose Festival.

Snow geese may be viewed at and near Gunnison Bend Reservoir, west of Delta. The festival runs Feb. 23, 24 and 25. Admission is free.

"Spotting scopes will be set up so participants can get a close view of the geese. Division of Wildlife Resources personnel will also be available to answer any questions you might have," says Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife coordinator for the DWR.

On Saturday, Feb. 24, free wildlife-related workshops, and arts and crafts and photography exhibits, also will be offered.

Walters encourages visitors to view the geese with binoculars or a spotting scope. "If you get too close to the geese, you'll probably scare them away," he says.

When viewing from the side of roads, visitors are strongly encouraged to use caution and to watch for vehicles. You should also prepare for cold or wet weather by wearing the proper clothes.

The areas where you can see geese vary according to the time of the day. "The geese usually feed in fields that surround the reservoir early in the morning. Then they fly back to the reservoir before about 10:30 a.m.," Walters says. "They usually stay at the reservoir until about 4 to 6 p.m., and then they fly out to the fields again to feed."

Walters says DWR personnel will watch which fields the geese fly to and will direct visitors, who arrive after the geese have left the reservoir, to the fields where the geese are.

For more information about the 2007 Snow Goose Festival call Walters at (801) 538-4771; the Division of Wildlife Resources' Southern Region office at (435) 865-6100; or the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce at (435) 864-4316.

Warm Winter Forces Early Closure at Hardware Ranch

Feb. 12 closure one of the earliest on record

Hyrum -- The Hardware Ranch Wildlife Management Area hosted a near-record number of visitors in December.

Now, just six weeks, warm weather has forced the staff at the ranch to close its winter elk-viewing season early.

The winter elk-viewing season at the ranch east of Hyrum closed Feb. 12. That's more than a month earlier than normal.

"We've had a strange winter," says Dan Christensen, the WMA's superintendent. "Last week, after five days with afternoon temperatures near 50 degrees and bare ground, the elk on the meadow headed back to the high country."

Christensen says this is one of the earliest closings on record at Hardware Ranch, where the winter season usually runs until mid-March. During a typical three-month winter season, as many as 50,000 visitors come to the ranch to ride in horse-drawn sleighs among several hundred elk that are fed in a large meadow area.

"Like many of the ski areas and other winter operations in Utah, the really poor snow conditions, coupled with frigid temperatures, hurt us in January," Christensen says. "After that, we just never got most of the storms that dropped snow along the Wasatch Front."

The other problem at the ranch is thick, sticky mountain mud. The spring melt caused by higher than normal temperatures, coupled with a few days of rain, have made it impossible to pull wagons full of passengers through the meadow. When the ranch's staff did take passengers through the meadow recently, the weight of the wagons cut deep ruts in the ground and the mud bound clumps of hay to the wagons' wheels.

"People are asking if we'll reopen this season," Christensen says. "Without snow and subzero temperatures, there's really no reason for the elk to come back or stay here. And without the elk, there's not enough up here for people to see this time of the year."

Spring, Summer and Fall

When asked what will happen next at the ranch, Christensen rattled off a list of chores.

"We would rather be doing the rides, but with the ambitious schedule of education programs and habitat improvement initiatives at Hardware Ranch, we'll just change direction and start working on these other items a little sooner," he says.

"We have education programs scheduled through the end of February, and in March we start the first full season of an exciting new education partnership with the Bear River Bird Refuge in Brigham City."

Other chores on the list include getting ready to turn nearly 1,000 cattle onto Hardware Ranch in April as part of a range improvement study; completing a water development project funded by the Mule Deer Foundation; building nearly 10 miles of fence along the ranch's boundaries; hosting summer handcart treks; changing and adding displays in the ranch's visitor center, using money provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; and completing a year-long maintenance program designed to bolster the ranch's aging facilities.

"We may be closed to the general public for a while, but we do a lot of things up here with various groups throughout the year," Christensen says.

For more information, call the Hardware Ranch WMA at (435) 753-6206 or visit the ranch's Web site at www.hardwareranch.com

PARK CITY MOUNTAIN RESORT TO HOST THE 5th ANNUAL WORLD SUPERPIPE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Park City, Utah (February 8, 2007) – Park City Mountain Resort once again welcomes the world’s top skiers and snowboarders to the fifth annual World Superpipe Championships on March 10 and 11, 2007. The invited riders will compete for a piece of the $90,000 purse in the Eagle Superpipe, the world’s largest superpipe and the site for the 2002 Winter Games.

“This is our fifth year hosting the World Superpipe Championships and we couldn’t be happier,” said Jim Mangan, director of action sports marketing at Park City Mountain Resort. “Shaun White, Torah Bright and Tanner Hall will compete against the world’s top riders in their respective fields, making this the best World Superpipe Championships we’ve ever had.”

On Saturday, March 10, the best male and female snowboarders in the world will compete for a piece of the $90,000 purse in a best of three-run format. Shaun White, 2006 Olympic Gold Medalist, will compete for the first time in the World Superpipe Championships. Other invitees include: Mason Aguirre, Danny Davis, Kelly Clark and Antti Autti. On Sunday, March 11, the best male skiers, including Tanner Hall, will compete in the same three-run format. Other invited skiers include: Simon Dumont, Jon Olsson and Candide Thovex.


The event is free to the public and will include live music, food, and giveaways. For a complete schedule of events, information and to apply for media credentials visit: http://www.worldsuperpipe.com/press.html.

About Park City Mountain Resort

Park City Mountain Resort encompasses 3,300 acres, 3,100 vertical feet, nine bowls and eight peaks offering Signature groomed runs, bumps, powder, trees, terrain parks and the Eagle Superpipe, North America’s largest superpipe. The Resort has received numerous accolades, most recently being named a top-five Resort by the readers of SKI Magazine and “Terrain Park of the Year” for the third year in a row by the readers of Transworld Snowboarding. The Resort is conveniently located 36 miles from the Salt Lake International Airport, offering more than 800 in-bound flights daily. For more information about Park City Mountain Resort visit us online at www.parkcitymountain.com.

REI COMMUNITY CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MARCH

SANDY CITY - The following presentations are offered free of charge to the public at the Sandy City REI store. REI is located at 10600 South & 230 West in the northwest corner of the South Towne Mall property. For more information, please call (801) 501-0850 or visit our website at www.rei.com and click on the stores & events link. Attendance is limited to fifty participants on a first- come first- served basis.


THE BASICS OF ICE CLIMBING

Thursday, March 1st, 7pm

This evening, Phil Schow from the Serac Club and Mat Gover, trainer and advanced ice climber, will be covering the basic skills and gear of technical ice climbing. In this presentation, they will feature; ice climbing equipment, the basics of beginning ice climbing technique, pro placement of ice screws, advanced ice and mixed climbing, safety issues, as well as highlighting local places to get out on the ice. Phil and Mat will also have some ice blocks so you can do some hands on placing of ice screws! A segment of "Comfortably Numb" a locally filmed and produced Ice Climbing movie will also be shown.



THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Thursday, March 8th, 7pm

Join adventurer Gary Scott as he shares slides, stories and video of his latest adventures from the four corners of the world. Hiking in the Alps and in Patagonia, parasailing in France, bungee jumping in New Zealand, rafting in Patagonia, zip-lining and exploring in Costa Rica and a ton of other exciting adventures. Gary will surely inspire you to get out there and see more of the world!



BASIC BIKE MAINTENANCE

Thursday, March 15th, 7pm

Maintaining your road or mountain bike can be a daunting task when you don’t know where to begin. Tonight’s presentation by REI shop techs will help to demystify the challenge of keeping your bicycle in good working order. By the end of the evening participants will be acquainted with the arts of flat tire repair, fine tune brake adjustment, and degreasing & lubrication.



HIKING THE WASATCH

Thursday, March 22nd, 7pm

Looking for a local hiking group where you can meet others and explore the Wasatch Front and more? Join Sheryl McGlochlin this evening to learn how she started this successful group four years ago and to see photos and hear stories of some of her favorite hikes.



SALT LAKE CITY - The following presentations are offered free of charge to the public at the Salt Lake City REI store. REI is located at 3285 East & 3300 South. For more information, please call 486-2100 or visit our website at www.rei.com and click on the stores & events link and select Salt Lake City.



BACKPACKING SKILLS FOR YOUTH

Tuesday, March 6th, 7pm

How do you prevent your hiking boots from causing blisters? What is the best way to load up your pack? What do you do if you encounter a moose on the trail? For answers to these questions and more, join the experts from REI tonight for some fun and useful tips on backpacking and camping. This evening’s presentation, designed for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, will cover the ins and outs of gear essentials such as packs, tents, sleeping bags, stoves, footwear, and clothing layers. A special section titled “Respect It!” will highlight the seven principles of Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. Families, youth groups and scout troops are encouraged to attend!



THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Tuesday, March 13th, 7pm

Join adventurer Gary Scott as he shares slides, stories and video of his latest adventures from the four corners of the world. Hiking in the Alps and in Patagonia, parasailing in France, bungee jumping in New Zealand, rafting in Patagonia, zip-lining and exploring in Costa Rica plus a ton of other exciting adventures. Gary will surely inspire you to get out there and see more of the world!


SKI TOURING THE ORTLER ALPS

Tuesday, March 20th, 7pm

If you are looking for an outstanding Alpine ski touring adventure in the Alps or an alternative to the often crowded Haute Route join Lincoln Clark of REI for the inside scoop on the Ortler traverse. The Ortles group of peaks is situated in between the Bernina group of St. Moritz to the west and the Dolomites to the west offer some outstanding ski mountaineering terrain. This tour offers fantastic glacial traverses combined with wonderful on ski descents. Several peaks close to 4000 meters offer an additional mountaineering challenge. The great skiing is only punctuated by the magical time in the huts or Refugio. Here we share the stories of our days adventures and enjoy a family dinning experience sampling the finest cuisine of Italy.


GPS 101

Thursday, March 22nd, 7pm

A Global Positioning System is a fun and accurate tool that can help you navigate through backcountry terrain or even down city streets. Join REI navigation expert John Higgins as he unveils the mysteries of this fun and fascinating piece of technology. This presentation will cover basic GPS functions such as determining latitude and longitude, programming routes, and recording travel.



THE SUPER SHERPA EXPEDITION OF EVEREST

Tuesday, March 27th, 7pm

Apa Sherpa, the man who has stood on the top of the world a record 16 times, and Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, who has summitted Everest in the record time of 10 hours, 56 minutes, and 46 seconds have announced that they will be joining together to make a summit attempt this spring. Their talk at REI this evening will be their send- off presentation in anticipation of this historic event. Both men will speak tonight about their life stories, the crucial role Sherpas have played in extreme altitude mountaineering since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa climbed Everest in 1953, as well as provide insight into Nepali culture & the recent changes in Nepali politics. A question and answer session will follow. This event is free and open to the public, and seating will be based on a first come first serve basis for 180 attendees.

REI SPECIAL EVENTS:

REI EMPLOYMENT OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, March 3rd, 11:00am

REI in Salt Lake City, one the world’s leading outdoor equipment retailers will be holding an Employment Open House on Saturday, March 3, 2007. The hour presentation begins at 11:00 a.m. Seasonal and part-time positions are available in Sales, Cashiering and Shop Services. Drop by to learn more about this exciting company. Applications will be accepted at this time. In 2007 REI placed #27 among the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America." in Fortune Magazine's Annual Survey. Please call (801)-486-2100 for more information.



REI ADULT CLIMBING NIGHT

Thursday, March 15th, 6:30pm-8:30pm

We would like to invite you to attend Adults-only (16 & up) climbing night at the Salt Lake City REI store. This is a perfect opportunity for beginners as well as experienced climbers to climb our one-of-a-kind wall on routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.13 in difficulty. You are welcome to invite your friends & family to attend. Please RSVP via email to espreng@rei.com so that as many of our REI certified belayers are available as necessary. Climbing harnesses of all sizes will be available at no charge, and climbing shoes can be rented for the evening at the low cost of only $2.00. Whether you are looking to start climbing, train for next summer, or meet people with similar interests come enjoy an evening of climbing & camaraderie with your friends at the Salt Lake City REI.



COMMUNITY EVENTS:

RADICAL REELS

Wednesday, March 14th, 7pm

Faster, steeper, higher, deeper - the Banff Mountain Film Festival Radical Reels tour is coming to Salt Lake City. Catch the steepest and deepest in high-adrenaline outdoor sport films when the 2007 Radical Reels Tour comes to Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah. Growing out of the famous Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Radical Reels screens the best in action sports filmmaking, audience-tested and programmed for maximum excitement. Tickets are available at Kingsbury Hall, REI Salt Lake City and Sandy and The Outdoor Program and are $7.50. For more information on the Radical Reels tour, visit www.banffmountainfestivals.ca/radicalreels.


CLASSES:



WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING

Saturday, March 24th & Sunday, March 25th

The vast and ever-present array of wild "signatures" scattered about our local landscapes offer us an underused encyclopedia of behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary information. Through the mind of an animal tracker, we can make discoveries about animal behavior, adaptation, and inter-species relationships. Learn about animals' feet and how they move, when and where they rest, what they eat, and how animals in the wild make a living in their own specific way. Indoor and field sessions focus upon wildlife adaptations, diversity, and sign types complemented by firsthand explorations of the animals' habitats on or off-trail in various uneven terrain. Field session will be done on snowshoes (provided by REI at no extra charge). Appropriate footwear, warm clothing, a day pack, lunch, and a filled water bottle will be needed for field sessions. Field guides and cameras welcome. Tuition is $75 per participant; proceeds benefit the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation. To register, please call REI at 486-2100 and ask to speak to our Customer Service department.



STAY SAFE IN THE OUTDOORS; WILDERNESS FIRST AID CLASS

Saturday, March 10th & 31st, 9am

Created for all outdoor enthusiasts, the Basic Wilderness Life Support® certification is a one day course designed to help you prevent and treat injuries and illnesses common in outdoor activities. Developed at the University of Utah, School of Medicine the course will teach you to prepare for your outing, assess injuries and scene safety, decide whether to evacuate or treat a patient, and methods of evacuation. The curriculum was developed from our advanced course used to train medical professionals and will be taught by one of our certified instructors. The course includes morning lectures at REI and an afternoon outdoors (weather permitting) participating in hands on scenarios. At the end of the day you will receive your BWLS certificate. Please register by calling REI’s customer service department at (801) 486-2100. Cost is $95 per person. For more information, please contact Bob Richards at AdventureMed, 801-990-2800 or visit www.bwls.org.



AVALANCHE AWARENESS CLASS

Friday & Saturday, March 9th & 10th

An introduction to rescue skills & avalanche beacon searches, route finding, snow pack evaluation and minimizing hazards. Cost is $99 per person. Please contact 801-550-EXUM (3986) or visit www.exum.ofutah.com for more information.



LEVEL 1 AVALANCHE COURSE

Friday March 23rd through Sunday March 25th

Learn safe travel in avalanche terrain; recognition of weather, snow pack and terrain factors contributing to avalanche hazard; dig snow pits and perform field tests to recognize weak and strong layers in snowpack and practice efficient rescue with avalanche beacons. Please contact 801-550-EXUM (3986) or visit www.exum.ofutah.com for more information.





COMMUNITY GROUP MEETINGS & PRESENTATIONS



UTAH NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY PRESENTS: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY WILDFLOWER WORKSHOP

Wednesday, March 7th, 7pm

The Utah Native Plant Society is dedicated to the appreciation, preservation, conservation and responsible use of the native plant and plant communities found in the state of Utah and the Intermountain West. This evening, Ray Taggart, owner of Pixel’s Foto and Frame Shop in Sandy, will present a program on the fundamentals of digital photography and the applications of digital in wildflower photography. Following, Dr. Paul Zuckerman will give a brief presentation on the use of alternate lighting. This presentation is free and open to the public. Visit www.unps.org for more information.



UTAH STATEWIDE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS: ANASAZI/FREMONT BIOLOGICAL AFFINITY

Wednesday, March 14th, 7pm

The Utah Statewide Archaeological Society (USAS) is an organization conceived for the individual who is curious about or wants to learn more about archaeology and the state’s prehistoric cultures. It is dedicated to the study and preservation of Utah’s past. This evening’s talk is titled Anasazi/Fremont Biological Affinity. Dr. Carlyle will discuss his dissertation work which consisted of extracting ancient DNA from several Anasazi (Ancestral Pueblo) museum specimens, utilizing variation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to discern temporal and geographical lineage stability among the Anasazi in prehistory. The comparison of Great Salt Lake Fremont with various Anasazi groups reveals close biological affinity between the two groups--a fact that should not be surprising given the strong correlation between the Anasazi and Fremont noted in the archaeological record. Meetings and presentations are free of charge and open to the public. Visit www.utaharchaeology.org.

Stars and Snow in Utah's State Parks

Salt Lake City * Enjoy stars, snow, and snowshoes at Wasatch, Snow Canyon, and Jordanelle state parks. These events are geared for the entire family.

Visit Wasatch Mountain State Park Friday, February 16 for the Stars and Snow program. Bundle up and join park staff in the visitor center at 7 p.m. for an evening learning about the winter night sky. This program includes an indoor discussion, followed by outdoor constellation observation. Registration is required by calling (435) 654-1791.

Enjoy cocoa and constellations at Snow Canyon State Park Friday, February 16 or Saturday, February 17. Have a cup of steaming cocoa as local astronomer Ray Cyr teaches basic winter constellations from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Join the Jordanelle State Park naturalist Saturday, February 17 for Track Me If You Can! From 10 a.m. to noon, learn basic tracking skills necessary to understanding local wildlife. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the park. The day-use fee is $7 per vehicle with up to eight people or free to Utah State Park pass holders. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call (435) 782-3030 or (435) 649-9540

Utah motorized access activists unite on Utah's Capitol Hill

Utah motorized access activists unite on Utah’s Capitol Hill this Friday to encourage the Governor and legislators to protect motorized access to public land in Utah.

Representatives from the motorized community and some state legislators will give short speeches.

The Utah Shared Access Alliance (USA-ALL) has called for all those interested in protecting motorized access to public land in Utah to come to Capitol Hill this Friday and let their voices be heard. “People need to become actively involved with the issues and demand that our elected officials represent our values and interests.” said Michael Swenson Executive Director of USA-ALL. USA-ALL is a small grass roots organization with thousands of members most of whom reside in Utah. USA-ALL is committed to uniting the motorized community and directing their energy towards federal, State, and local governments, and encouraging officials to protect responsible motorized access to the beautiful back country of Utah. “We love nature and the great outdoors just like many other non motorized recreationists, but some have labeled us as insensitive or just plain ignorant to the wonders of nature. This simply isn’t true.” Swenson said, “Government agencies and some elected officials either want to ignore our issues or label us as second class citizens, for some reason they seem to believe that our particular use of public land is somehow politically incorrect, or is too controversial and they will not deal with the issues.” USA-ALL believes that motorized recreation if done responsibly is healthy for the environment, for communities, and for families. They want government officials to address the issues surrounding access to Utah’s back country. Swenson claims that, “Our elected officials have a responsibility to represent us and address these issues. We must hold them accountable for their actions or inactions on these important issues. It’s high time our government listens to the public. The public wants motorized access to Utah’s back country protected. If we keep going at the present rate of land and route closure; the motorized recreationists will be the next endangered species.”

Contact Info:

Joanne Butts 801-465-1145
Michael Swenson: 801-830-9112

Date: February 9, 2007

Time: 12:30 p.m.

Location: SLC, UT. Utah Capitol Complex; Main public foyer of the house building (West building)

2007 Utah Federation of Houndsmen Annual Banquet

The Utah Federation of Houndsmen will hold its 2007 Annual Banquet on Saturday March 17, 2007 at 6:00 PM at the Nephi Fair Grounds, 300 West Center, Nephi, UT.

This is your night to support the UFH in its effort to protect big game of our State and the future of the Sport. There will be a Dutch Oven Dinner and the cost is $18.00 per plate.

Door prizes, Raffles, Auctions and Games. Bring your best picture for the photo contest! Catagories: Bear, Lion, Bobcat, Racoon and Best Overall. RSVP's must be received by mail no later than 3-9-07

If you have additional questions or need more information please contact Roy Aanerud 801 836-0233 or Chad Coburn 801 754-3744.

REI Community Calendar Announcements For February

SANDY CITY - The following presentations are offered free of charge to the public at the Sandy City REI store. REI is located at 10600 South & 230 West in the northwest corner of the South Towne Mall property. For more information, please call (801) 501-0850 or visit our website at www.rei.com and click on the stores & events link. Attendance is limited to fifty participants on a first- come first- served basis.

WINTER BIKE MAINTENANCE

Thursday, February 1st, 7pm

Whether you ride all winter or hang up the wheels to hit the slopes, come learn about maintaining your bicycle during those "off" months. We will discuss how to treat a bike well during winter's harsh riding conditions, how to get a bike off the trainer and back onto the road, and how to bring a bike out of storage for those warmer days. Our discussion will be lead by an REI expert who knows his way around the winter roads as a full time commuter and will discuss both maintenance ideas and the tools every cyclist should consider. Whatever your cycling season, we can help keep your cycling enjoyable.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: INTRO TO AVALANCHE AWARENESS

Thursday, February 8th, 7pm

The Wasatch Front is home to some of the world's finest winter backcountry terrain. But the rise in popularity of backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling comes with an increased risk in avalanche danger. In this evening's presentation, a local avalanche professional will tell their story about close calls or accidents they have experienced in the backcountry and show a narrated video of avalanches, people triggering avalanches and the destructive power of avalanches. This presentation will then focus on instruction on the basics of how to recognize avalanche terrain & obvious signs of instability, safe travel practices, basics of avalanche rescue equipment and self-rescue procedures, and where to obtain information about current avalanche conditions. The Know Before You Go avalanche education program is an all ages and family event presented by experts from the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center. This lecture always fills to capacity, so please arrive early to ensure that you get a seat.

GPS 101

Thursday, February 15th, 7pm

A Global Positioning System is a fun and accurate tool that can help you navigate through backcountry terrain or even down city streets. Join REI navigation expert Dan Stites as he unveils the mysteries of this fun and fascinating piece of technology. This presentation will cover basic GPS functions such as determining latitude and longitude, programming routes, and recording travel.

TRIATHLON 101

Thursday, February 22nd, 7pm

Calling all prospective triathletes! Join David Pruetz, USA Triathlon Certified Coach, Ironman Triathlete, owner/coach with In Training LLC, this evening for an introduction to the sport. This clinic is intended for anyone interested in getting involved in the sport of triathlon and will cover the evolution of triathlon, equipment needs, nutritional needs, triathlon training programs/process, open-water swimming vs. pool swimming, transition training, race categories, race distances, and much, much more!

SALT LAKE CITY - The following presentations are offered free of charge to the public at the Salt Lake City REI store. REI is located at 3285 East & 3300 South. For more information, please call 486-2100 or visit our website at www.rei.com and click on the stores & events link and select Salt Lake City.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: INTRO TO AVALANCHE AWARENESS

Tuesday, February 6th, 7pm

The Wasatch Front is home to some of the world's finest winter backcountry terrain. But the rise in popularity of backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling comes with an increased risk in avalanche danger. In this evening's presentation, a local avalanche professional will tell their story about close calls or accidents they have experienced in the backcountry and show a narrated video of avalanches, people triggering avalanches and the destructive power of avalanches. This presentation will then focus on instruction on the basics of how to recognize avalanche terrain & obvious signs of instability, safe travel practices, basics of avalanche rescue equipment and self-rescue procedures, and where to obtain information about current avalanche conditions. The Know Before You Go avalanche education program is an all ages and family event presented by experts from the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center. This lecture always fills to capacity, so please arrive early to ensure that you get a seat.

SKI MOUNTAINEERING IN NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTHERN ALPS

Tuesday, February 13th, 7pm

The Southern Alps of New Zealand are a skier’s paradise with some of the most challenging ski mountaineering terrain on earth. Located on the bottom of the globe at forty-three degrees south and right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, they are a fusion of wild scenery, steep peaks and big drops. In October of 2006, Andrew McLean, Steve Romeo and Chris Figenshau joined Kiwi local Grant Guise for three weeks of ski mountaineering around the island’s highest peak, Mt. Cook. Along with wild skiing, the team discovered the world’s most dangerous outhouse and the reason why a NZ bee keeper would eventually go on to be the first person to summit Mt. Everest. Ski mountaineering expert Andrew McLean will present this evening’s slide show.

SKI & SNOWBOARD TUNE & WAX

Tuesday, February 20th, 7pm

Come join the ranks of do-it-yourselfers who are discovering that tuning your skis at home can not only be a great way to save your hard earned money, but one of the most gratifying hobbies you will ever undertake. Join REI shop master tech Jon Hulse this evening for some expert instruction on waxing, sharpening, and P-texing. By learning to tune your own skis and snowboards, you can ensure that your equipment will perform at its peak.

SPRING SKIING UTAH AND ALASKA

Tuesday, February 27th, 7pm

Whether in Utah or Alaska, spring is the time for big ski lines. From Foraker, Fairweather, and St. Elias; to Baldy, Tukhunikivatz and Timpanogos; let’s visit some of the classic ski lines in two great ski states. The stable snowpack and mild weather of April and May are the necessary ingredients for safely skiing major peaks. If you want to glean beta for your own ski adventures to the mountains of Utah or Alaska, or simply to be entertained by stories and images, join guidebook author and mountain guide Tyson Bradley for an evening of ski mountaineering from the Pfiefferhorn to Denali.

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

WASATCH CITIZEN SERIES AT SUNDANCE

Saturday, February 10th, 10am

Put on by the Utah Nordic Alliance. The Wasatch Citizens Series (WCS) consists of five events held each year at the major cross country ski areas along the Wasatch Front and Back. Two classical technique and three free technique races are included to provide the balance local athletes need to prepare for national and international competition. In addition to our sixteen age and gender categories, the WCS includes novice classes, to encourage beginners to get involved in the sport, and expert classes, for more serious racers. Awards are given to the top three finishers in each of these groups at each race. Points are awarded to all race finishers, and the top three skiers in each age group receive special prizes at the end of the season. Participants' ages range from 5 to 70+, and many families regularly attend the races. Please see www.utahnordic.com for more information.

THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL TOUR

Tuesday & Wednesday, February 20th & 21st, 7pm

Join the U of Utah's Outdoor Recreation Program when the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to Salt Lake City at Kingsbury Hall. Experience the adventure of climbing, mountain expeditions, remote cultures, and the world’s last great wild places — all brought to life on the big screen. Different films will be screened each evening. Tickets are available at REI SLC & Sandy, Kingsbury Hall, Art-tix outlets, and the Outdoor Program for $7.50 each. Money raised will benefit the Utah Avalanche Center.

BRYCE CANYON WINTER FESTIVAL

February 17th through 19th

Every Presidents Day weekend Ruby’s Inn hosts the Bryce Canyon Winter Festival. The three-day event includes cross country ski races, a people-powered sled race, kids snowboot races, an archery clinic, archery biathlon competition, free snowshoe tours, free clinics in photography, navigation, winter safety, snow sculpture, kids' events, food, music and much more. Most of the clinics and events are free but there is an entry fee for some activities. Call 1-866-866-6616 or visit www.ruby’sinn.com for more information.

WASATCH CITIZEN SERIES AT WHITEPINE

Saturday, February 24th, 10am

Put on by the Utah Nordic Alliance. The Wasatch Citizens Series (WCS) consists of five events held each year at the major cross country ski areas along the Wasatch Front and Back. Two classical technique and three free technique races are included to provide the balance local athletes need to prepare for national and international competition. In addition to our sixteen age and gender categories, the WCS includes novice classes, to encourage beginners to get involved in the sport, and expert classes, for more serious racers. Awards are given to the top three finishers in each of these groups at each race. Points are awarded to all race finishers, and the top three skiers in each age group receive special prizes at the end of the season. Participants' ages range from 5 to 70+, and many families regularly attend the races. Please see www.utahnordic.com for more information.

CLASSES:

REI/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GPS NAVIGATION DAY

Saturday, February 17th, 9am

Spend a day outdoors and an hour indoors with navigation experts from REI and National Geographic to learn how to use your GPS unit in conjunction with mapping software. Participants should have some familiarity with GPS and/or have attended REI’s GPS 101 evening clinic. You’ll practice finding your way from point A to point B, first establishing where you are, and then where you want to go. Learn route-finding skills, such as: how to transfer waypoints from your PC to your GPS unit, how to use the U.T.M. grid system vs. latitude and longitude coordinates, and how to create your own custom maps. Classroom session takes place at REI Sandy, field session at Dimple Dell Park. Cost is $15 for REI members, $30 for non-members. Advance registration is required, please call (801) 501-0850 or stop into REI’s Sandy location.

STAY SAFE IN THE OUTDOORS; WILDERNESS FIRST AID CLASS

Saturday, February 3rd, 10th & 24th, 9am

Created for all outdoor enthusiasts, the Basic Wilderness Life Support® certification is a one day course designed to help you prevent and treat injuries and illnesses common in outdoor activities. Developed at the University of Utah, School of Medicine the course will teach you to prepare for your outing, assess injuries and scene safety, decide whether to evacuate or treat a patient, and methods of evacuation. The curriculum was developed from our advanced course used to train medical professionals and will be taught by one of our certified instructors. The course includes morning lectures at REI and an afternoon outdoors (weather permitting) participating in hands on scenarios. At the end of the day you will receive your BWLS certificate. Please register by calling REI’s customer service department at (801) 486-2100. Cost is $95 per person. For more information, please contact Bob Richards at AdventureMed, 801-990-2800 or visit www.bwls.org.

AVALANCHE AWARENESS CLASS

Friday & Saturday, February 9th & 10th

An introduction to rescue skills & avalanche beacon searches, route finding, snow pack evaluation and minimizing hazards. Cost is $99 per person. Please contact 801-550-EXUM (3986) or visit www.exum.ofutah.com for more information.

LEVEL 2 AVALANCHE COURSE

Friday February 23rd through Sunday February 25th

Review and expand upon material learned in level 1. Learn to identify snow crystal types and processes leading to them; how to record and interpret information gained from snow pits, stability tests, weather and other factors contributing to snow strength. Friday & Saturday evenings; Saturday & Sunday field classes. Cost is $225 per person. Please contact 801-550-EXUM (3986) or visit www.exum.ofutah.com for more information.

COMMUNITY GROUP MEETINGS & PRESENTATIONS

UTAH NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY: SAVING UTAH’S NATIVE PLANTS; RARE, MEDIUM RARE, AND THE RARELY RARE

Wednesday, February 7th, 7pm

The Utah Native Plant Society is dedicated to the appreciation, preservation, conservation and responsible use of the native plant and plant communities found in the state of Utah and the Intermountain West. This evening, join Tony Frates, joint chair of conservation for Utah Native Plant Society (UNPS). Utah is home to many rare and endangered plants, yet the State of Utah has essentially no laws to help protect them. In recent years, declining federal enforcement of the Endangered Species Act has left litigation as the only means to prevent irreversible loss. UNPS has been a reluctant partner in this process, joining with other organizations to try and save plants such as the beautiful Dwarf Bear-claw Poppy of southern Utah. Come and hear about recent progress in this ongoing battle for the plants. Visit www.unps.org for more information.

UTAH WHITEWATER CLUB

Thursday, February 15th, 7pm

The UWC is a small but dedicated group of enthusiastic paddlers dedicated to promoting the sport of canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Formed in Salt Lake City in 1991 by a small but persistent group of local paddlers, the UWC now has membership into the hundreds. Activities and interests of the club include instruction, safety, organized trips, river issue advocacy, and having fun. Meetings and presentations are free of charge and open to the public Check out www.utahwhitewaterclub.org for more information.

UTAH STATEWIDE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Wednesday, February 14th, 7pm

The Utah Statewide Archaeological Society (USAS) is an organization conceived for the individual who is curious about or wants to learn more about archaeology and the state’s prehistoric cultures. It is dedicated to the study and preservation of Utah’s past. Meetings and presentations are free of charge and open to the public. Visit www.utaharchaeology.org.

Snowmobilers Stand Up for Downs, benefit the Utah Downs Syndrome Foundation February 23-24

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR A FUN FILLED SNOWMOBILE WEEKEND IN BEAUTIFUL SANPETE COUNTY FOR THE UTAH SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION/FAIRVIEW SKYLINE SNO-RIDERS SNOWMOBILE CLUB
CHARITY RIDE ‘SNOWMOBILERS STAND UP FOR DOWNS’ A RIDE TO BENEFIT THE UTAH DOWN SYNDROME FOUNDATION

WE WILL BE JOINING WITH FAIRVIEW CITY FOR THEIR ‘ WINTER FESTIVAL’ FEBRUARY 23-24TH, 2007

Friday – 9:00 to Ride at Ephraim Canyon (‘bilers’ will meet at the mouth of Ephraim
2/23 4:00 Canyon – ride will be lead by Glen Zumwalt
Everyone on their own for lunch
6:30 Dinner: $5.00 (pay at door) (Senior Citizens Center---Fairview)
Games and other activities
Saturday: 8:00 - Ride at Fairview Canyon lead by Tom Jensen
2/24 3:00 GPS ‘Dash for Cash’ at 8:00
Charity Ride at 9:00 (Donations appreciated!!) Fairview Club
‘Snack Shack’ will be set up on trail to purchase lunch
6:30-- Dinner, entertainment, activities and FUN!! Fairview Dance Hall
Dinner will be cooked by award winning Dutch Oven Chef)
Cost will be $19.00 per person

If you can’t attend the ride, donations will be gratefully accepted - checks can be made payable to Utah Down Syndrome Foundation (Tax deductable) and sent to U.S.A. Treasurer at P.O.Box 901118, Sandy, UT. 84090-1118. Mastercard & Visa can be accepted by sending your name, credit card number and expiration date to the same address. Thanks for your support. Please check out our website at: www.snowut.com for further information or questions call (801)254-6580

New Utah Bald Eagle License Plate

Live bald eagle and school kids part of the day's festivities

Utah's newest license plate * featuring a bald eagle * will be unveiled by school children at a ceremony Feb. 10 near Farmington.

A live bald eagle will watch as the school kids pull a sheet off a large reproduction of the plate.

This event will provide a visual backdrop to an important story: the plate provides everyone in Utah a chance to help wildlife that are in the greatest need of help, including the state's threatened and endangered species.

The unveiling is also part of Utah's annual Bald Eagle Day festivities. Dozens of bald eagles should be near the unveiling site that day, and hundreds of people should be on-hand viewing them.

WHAT: Unveiling of Utah's newest license plate.

WHEN: Saturday, February 10:

10 to 10:15 a.m. * Students from Eagle Bay Elementary in Farmington recently participated in a bald eagle art contest. The winning artwork will be on display, and the students who created the artwork will receive their awards. EnergySolutions and the EnergySolutions Foundation will also present a $1,000 check to the school to help fund the school's art program.

10:15 to 10:30 a.m. * Partners in the event will speak for a few moments. After their remarks Jim Karpowitz, director of the Division of Wildlife Resources, will explain how important this new plate is to Utah's wildlife.

10:25 * 10:30 a.m. * Kids who won the art contest and DWR staff will pull a sheet off a large reproduction of the license plate as a live bald eagle from Tracy Aviary looks on.

After 10:30 a.m. * DWR staff who manage the wildlife that will benefit from the sale of the plates will be available to explain which wildlife will benefit the most and how the funding will be used.

Dozens of bald eagles should be near the unveiling site that day, and hundreds of people should be on-hand viewing them.

Staff from the Tracy Aviary will also be available to talk about opportunities to view bald eagles and other birds at the aviary.

WHERE: Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area (WMA), about 20 miles north of downtown Salt Lake City.

* Once you reach the WMA, follow the signs to the location where the license plate will be unveiled.

Directions:

Traveling north on I-15:

To reach the WMA, exit the freeway at Exit 322. After exiting the freeway, stay right where the road splits, and then turn at the first right. This will put you on a frontage road, and you'll be traveling south. Then turn right at the stop sign, which is Glover Lane. Travel west to 1325 West, and then turn left into the WMA.

Estimated drive time from downtown Salt Lake City:

30 minutes

Traveling south on I-15:

To reach the WMA, exit the freeway at Exit 325. Go to the stoplight and turn right. Travel south to the next light, which is at Clark Lane, and turn right. Travel west to the first stop sign, which is at 1525 West, and turn left. Travel south for three miles to the next stop sign, which is Glover Lane, and turn left. Travel east for two blocks and take the first right at 1325 West. This is the north entrance to the WMA.

Sponsors: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the Great Salt Lake Interpretive Trust, the Wild Bird Center in Layton, Tracy Aviary, EnergySolutions and the EnergySolutions Foundation.

Utah State Parks Hikes - From Snow to Lava

Salt Lake City * Three Utah state parks offer great hikes this weekend from a full moon snowshoe hike to a lava tubes tour.

Join Friends of Wasatch for a Full Moon Snowshoe Hike Friday, February 2. This annual snowshoe trek is lit by a full moon and open to hikers of all abilities. Entrance fee is waived for Friends of Wasatch members and $5 for non-members, with snowshoe rentals also available for $5/pair. Registration is required * please call (435) 654-1791.

On Saturday, visit Rock Cliff Nature Center at Jordanelle State Park for Track Me If You Can! From 10 a.m. to noon, join the park naturalist and learn basic tracking skills necessary to understanding local wildlife. Bring snowshoes or borrow a pair from the park. Day-use fee is $7 per vehicle with up to eight people or free to Utah State Park pass holders. Pre-registration is required * please call (435) 782-3030 or (435) 649-9540

From snow to lava! Take the Lava Tubes Tour at Snow Canyon State Park Saturday, February 3 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This two-mile, round-trip hike is a unique opportunity to explore lava tube formations. Registration required * please call (435) 628-2255.

Family Ice Fishing Festival And Bald Eagle Day Slated For February 10.

Volunteers from the Wasatch Audubon Chapter will be at Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area on Saturday February 10 to help families enjoy and celebrate the presence of bald eagles in Utah.

Anglers at Lost Creek Reservoir are treated to seeing good numbers of bald eagles and turkeys along Lost Creek.

Saturday February 10 could be a wild day for families in Box Elder County!

The Brigham City Recreation department is hosting a “Family Fishing Fest” on the ice at Mantua Reservoir. The free event will run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Parking is limited, however, so only a limited number of people can attend. The Brigham City Recreation has asked for interested persons to pre-register by calling their office at 435-734-6610 or email them at klaw@brighamcity.utah.gov.

Fun, Games and Fishing

Kristy Law from the Brigham City Parks and recreation Department says the event will offer a long and exciting list of activities. “If learning how to rig a fishing line, fillet or cook a fish are on your ‘need-to-know’ list, we can help,” said Law.

These “need-to-know” clinics will focus on ice safety and fishing techniques and will be held every hour.

Reese Stein and Adam Eakle, hosts of “Roughing It Outdoors” show on KUTV Channel 2 will also be on hand. “Mark your calendar for this exciting event. You can stay for an hour or stay all day. Get registered and come up. It’s going to be a lot of fun” Law added.

In addition to learning more about ice fishing, the event is going to offer an interesting variety of fun family activities that will be held on the ice. Ice bowling and four-person ice drilling relays are just some of the activities that families can participate in. The Family Ice Fishing Festival is hosted by the Brigham City Recreation Department, the Utah Division of Wildlife and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Bald Eagle Diversion

To make it truly a wild day, take a detour and stop by Salt Creek Wildlife Management Area to see wintering bald eagles and other wintering wildlife. Salt Creek WMA is a hidden gem for wildlife viewing. For more details on eagle day events, visit the DWR website at wildlife.utah.gov.

Volcano and Lava Flows at Snow Canyon State Park

Ivins * Though its name indicates otherwise, there is no snow right now at Snow Canyon State Park. Venture to this southern Utah park Saturday, January 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and learn about volcanoes and the volcanic activity responsible for the lava flows in the park. Hike to the top of the Snow Canyon cinder cone during this 1.5-mile round-trip hike. Space is limited and registration is required.

Wasatch Mountain Golf Course Passes Available

Midway * Season golf passes are now available for Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses. The pass is $1,000 and covers green fees, but cart rental is not included. Passes are currently available for purchase at the Wasatch Mountain State Park Visitor Center seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In spring, passes will be available at both Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses.

The pass is valid at Wasatch Mountain Golf Course Monday through Friday, and at Soldier Hollow Golf Course seven days a week. The pass expires one year from the month issued.
Green fees for the 2006-2007 season are $12.50 weekdays for nine holes and $13.50 weekends; $11 weekdays for juniors and seniors; and $6 cart fee for nine holes. For more information, please call (435) 654-1791.

Winter Fun, Safety at Wasatch Mountain State Park

Midway * Wasatch Mountain State Park offers great activities for the entire family this winter, from cross-country skiing to free safety clinics.

Six miles of groomed cross-country ski trails are now open. Skiers will find flat, easy terrain on the Lake Course, and a more advanced route on the Mountain Course. Trail passes are $5 per day, with rental equipment available for an additional $5.

January is Winter Recreation and Safety Month at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Every Saturday throughout January, park staff host free events designed to get visitors out and experiencing winter in new, safe ways.

Saturday, January 5 and 13: This snowshoe clinic is held two consecutive Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Explore snowshoeing, health benefits, and techniques. Each day begins with indoor discussion followed by practical experience on snowshoes. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair from the park.

Saturday, January 20: Join park staff for an avalanche safety class from 9 a.m. to noon and learn how to recognize and avoid potential slide areas, and how to use basic safety equipment.
Saturday, January 27: Build a basic snow cave at 10 a.m. This fun winter activity is also a life saving skill.

Each event begins at the Educational Yurt at Wasatch Mountain State Park. Registration for each event is required by calling (435) 654-1791.

Moonlight Snowshoe Hike at Jordanelle State Park

Heber City - Join park staff Friday, January 5 for a moonlit snowshoe hike along the lake. Meet at the Jordanelle State Park Visitor Center at 7 p.m. for the hike, and enjoy hot drinks and food afterwards. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Limited quantities of snowshoes are available. For more information or to reserve snowshoes, please call (435) 649-9540.